Georgian soldiers return home from Afghanistan

Eighty Georgian peacekeepers serving an ISAF Mission in Afghanistan have returned home.

The soldiers touched down at Alekseevka Airport in the early hours of this morning and were welcomed by Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania and the US Ambassador to Georgia, Richard Norland, who congratulated them on their safe return.

"This is a very special moment for me as an American Diplomat here. Several months ago I had the honor of attending the departure ceremony for these troops and I think they can, upon their return, be incredibly proud of the mission that they’ve accomplished,” Norland said.

"Our American military colleagues will testify to the professionalism, the spirit and the extremely high caliber of the Georgian forces in Afghanistan,” he said.

Norland said Georgian soldiers’ high level of professionalism meant Georgia’s security was enhanced and the country’s military would be in a better position to be a partner force with NATO, and "eventually to pave the way for Georgia’s entry into NATO”.

Defense Minister Alasania said the 80 returned soldiers were the last group of Batumi Separate Light Infantry Battalion to return from serving in Afghanistan.

"I want to express my gratitude to them for their service and the successful mission. With this mission Georgia has proved once again that it is a strong partner and must have and has the trust of NATO member states. I also congratulate our soldiers returning back without losses,” Alasania stated. 

At the airport, Norland reinforced Georgia’s strong relationship with America. 

He said: "Let’s remember what the Georgian forces went to Afghanistan to fight alongside us, it was to fight for the right of any person to live their life the way they wish, without fear or intimidation”. 

"Georgia stands for this freedom of choice and the United States will support Georgia in that direction,” the Ambassador said.

Soldiers of Batumi Separate Infantry Battalion fulfilled their ISAF mission serving alongside American soldiers in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. Its main task was to neutralize insurgent forces, support local government and development of the Afghan National Security Forces, control security zones and cooperate with U.S. Marine Forces.

The Batumi Separate Infantry Battalion of the Georgian Armed Forces were sent to Afghanistan in late September, according to a rotation. The Battalion completely deployed the operation area in October.